The Lower Zambezi Experience
Discover the untamed beauty of Zambia's Lower Zambezi Valley, from canoeing with hippos to dining on the river
After our time in Livingstone came to an end (see part 2; The Tongabezi Experience), it is off to Zambia's famed Lower Zambezi valley, home to amazing wildlife and the Lower Zambezi National Park. Taking in some canoeing on the Zambezi River while staying at Sausage Tree Lodge and Old Mondoro.
Sausage Tree Camp is set in a stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the Lower Zambezi National Park. This is in the heart of the best game viewing area. The camp and very welcoming pool overlook many narrow channels teeming with game, offering the amazing Zambezi escarpment as the backdrop.
We enjoyed boat cruises, sundowners, day and night game drives, an early morning canoe amongst hippos and crocs, tiger fishing and even a surprise lunch in the Zambezi River.
Sausage Tree also offers walks with highly skilled and trained rangers. Elephants are seen in camp on a daily basis. Game viewing is excellent, with an extremely high chance of spotting wild dog, leopard, lion, hippo and buffalo, to name but a few, during your stay.
After returning from our morning canoe excursion on our first morning - hot and exhausted - we were told we would be "going out" for lunch. Obviously, we were all a bit dumb-struck, like where does one "go out" for lunch in the Lower Zambezi? So we all boarded our boat, and as we turned the first bend, we couldn't believe what we saw, a table, chairs, barbeque, drinks table and shaded thatch enclosure all set up IN the Zambezi River. The camp crew were all standing ankle-deep waiting for us, cocktails in hand. And so we sat ankle-deep in the Zambezi and enjoyed our delicious barbeque and cocktails. This was most definitely one of the highlights of my trip, one which I will remember forever!
Sausage Tree Camp is an ideal family-friendly as well as a Honeymoon destination; there is something here for everyone.
Old Mondoro; From Sausage Tree to Old Mondoro, it is an approx. A 45-minute boat ride, although that definitely depends on how many times you stop to take pictures!
Old Mondoro (the Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area) is one of the most intimate and private safari camps in the Lower Zambezi, offering only 8 beds.
On our afternoon arrival at the camp, we soon embarked on a game drive which quickly turned into a night drive after we had stopped on the banks to enjoy our sundowners. We were extremely lucky with our sightings, having spotted two young male lions, three porcupines (my first ever sighting), hippos running amok, buffalo, five genets, as well as a bushbaby which we were told was the first sighting in two seasons!
Other activities on offer include canoeing, game viewing by motorboat, tiger-fishing (catch and release), as well as bush walks - there are some excellent walking areas right from the camp, and I've been told this is the best walking area in the Lower Zambezi.
It is a very rustic camp - quite different from the likes of Sausage Tree where we had just come from - with no electricity (paraffin lamps bring the camp alive after dark), offering a fantastic "back to basics" experience. If you need your hairdryer, then perhaps this is not the camp for you.
The Lower Zambezi Experience by Uyaphi.com
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Map of Lodges in and around Zambia
Lodges And Camps In Zambia
Sungani Lodge
Sungani Lodge, a pristine haven located in the heart of the Luangwa Valley. This unique safari lodge not only offers an intimate connection with nature but also an unrivaled luxury experience amidst one of Africa's most magnificent wilderness areas. With its exclusive Tented Suites, Sungani Lodge provides a serene and personalized getaway perfect for those yearning to explore the wild depths of Zambia. From thrilling game drives to mesmerizing sunrises over the lagoon, every moment spent here promises to be unforgettable.
Chinzombo Safari Camp
Chinzombo Safari Camp presents a lavishly luxurious choice for discerning travellers seeking the ultimate safari experience in the breathtaking and wild South Luangwa National Park of Zambia. Guests at Chinzombo can indulge in exhilarating game drives, immersive walking safaris, and serene boat cruises (seasonal). These adventures are expertly guided by a team of accomplished and award-winning guides and trackers, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching wildlife encounter.
Shawa Luangwa Camp
Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary Shawa Luangwa Camp, a sanctuary not just of luxury but of heart-stirring adventures and unmatched tranquillity! Here, every moment is a brush with nature's grandeur, from the breathtaking sight of leopards lounging in the dusk to the mesmerizing dance of the African sky stars. At Shawa Luangwa, every detail, from the echo-friendly tented suites to the silent safaris, is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the beauty and rhythms of the South Luangwa Valley.
Kafunta River Lodge
A renowned destination for a quintessential Luangwa and Zambian safari experience, Kafunta River Lodge stands elegantly perched, offering breathtaking views of a picturesque floodplain on the outskirts of the South Luangwa National Park. Situated in the heart of the "Valley of the Leopard," this lodge is expertly crafted for exhilarating game drives, catering to wildlife enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers seeking remarkable sightings and exceptional opportunities for photography amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of the region.
Sindabezi Island Camp
Sindabezi Island Camp, nestled on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, is a secluded haven. Being the sole bush camp in the vicinity, it provides a serene setting for an authentic African adventure. Guests at Sindabezi can relish the vistas of the Zambezi floodplain and the wildlife in the neighbouring National Park. The journey to Sindabezi is a picturesque boat trip or a guided canoe excursion along the Zambezi, offering glimpses of wildlife along Zimbabwe's riverbanks. The attentive staff ensure that your comfort and requirements are catered to during your entire stay.
Chongwe River House
Discover the epitome of wilderness luxury at Chongwe River House, an enchanting haven nestled in the heart of Zambia's Lower Zambezi Valley and Escarpment. Crafted with an innovative design that harmonises with nature, this premier safari villa promises an exclusive escape into the wild. Tailored for those who seek an intimate connection with nature without compromising on luxury, River House is your secluded sanctuary for an unforgettable Lower Zambezi National Park safari for a family or small group of friends.
Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree Camp stands as a beacon of luxury amid the wild; this exquisite safari camp, celebrated for its unique blend of adventure and serenity, offers guests the ultimate safari experience and adventure. With its unparalleled location in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Sausage Tree provides an intimate encounter with surrounding nature, enveloped in the comfort of bush elegance. Every waking moment at camp is crafted to ensure an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the bush.
Luangwa River Camp
Nestled under a majestic canopy of giant ebony trees on the picturesque banks of the South Luangwa River, Luangwa River Camp welcomes guests to a haven where incredible wildlife sightings and diverse bird species await at every turn. The camp boasts a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced guides and trackers who are passionate about showcasing the beauty of the surroundings, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. All this is complemented by exceptional service that caters to every guest's comfort and enjoyment.